Chapter 31 Summary

The Delaware all watch until Cora can no longer be seen. Then the village erupts into a hive of activity. The woman and children are dispersed and the warriors go to the lodge. Later, the warriors leave the lodge and strip the bark from a pine tree. One paints the tree in a hostile design of red. Uncas appears, clad only in belt and leggings. His face is painted half-black.

Uncas sings and dances around the tree. He is joined by the chiefs and other important warriors. Uncas finishes the dance by driving his tomahawk into the tree. This is the signal for the young warriors to attack the tree as an enemy, splintering it to the ground. Thus, war is declared. Uncas watches the sky. The truce with Magua is over at sunset.